Aviation fuels webinar slated

The Transportation Research Board will conduct a webinar June 5 that will feature research conducted by TRB’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) related to aviation fuel options and cost. There is no fee to register for the webinar, but participants must register in advance.

Continuing Education Units are available for accredited airport executives who attend the webinar.

In the last decade, the price of aviation fuel has increased considerably, TRB officials note. Consequently, many airport operators are looking for ways to evaluate the impact of fuel prices on their operations and explore alternatives to conventional aviation fuel.

Presenters will discuss the research results described in three ACRP reports that address aviation fuel costs and alternatives:

Fred Morser, CSSI, Inc.: ACRP Report 46: Handbook for Analyzing the Costs and Benefits of Alternative Aviation Turbine Engine Fuels at Airports: Airport operators and fuel suppliers will learn how to use an analytical model designed to help evaluate the costs associated with introducing “drop-in” alternative turbine engine fuel at airports and the benefits as measured by reduced emissions. The presenter will discuss ways that airport practitioners can use the tool to benefit their airports.

Bruno Miller, Metron Aviation: ACRP Report 60: Guidelines for Integrating Alternative Jet Fuel into the Airport Setting: Attendees will learn about alternative fuel types and characteristics; potential benefits; the legal, financial, environmental, and logistical considerations and opportunities; and ways to evaluate the feasibility of alternative jet fuel production facilities. The presenter will also summarize issues and opportunities associated with locating on- or off-airport alternative jet fuel production facilities and their fuel storage and distribution requirements.

William Spitz, GRA, Inc.: ACRP Report 48: Impact of Jet Fuel Price Uncertainty on Airport Planning and Development: Airport operators and planners will learn how to use a tool that measures the impact of changes in jet fuel price on supply and demand for air service at commercial service airports. The output of the model can ultimately be used to help evaluate the impact of fuel costs on airport development and finance.